THE EVENING MEAL 17
the corny ale—the mclior cerevisia—brewed for the brethren of
the priory, yet, perhaps this secunda cerevisia was a more prudent
drink for the labourers, and certainly it seemed doubly delicious
in the heat of the day. Steadily the work went on till wellnigh
noon, when at last the hay ward's horn was heard. John
straightened himself, and made for the shade with his com-
panions. There they threw themselves down, and soon the manor
servants appeared, some carrying great loaves and cheeses, while
others brought the ever-welcome barrels of ale. John and his
family were given four of the loaves for themselves, and as they
cut them open they saw that these were the good wheaten loaves,
which so seldom came their way. They ate ravenously of these
and of the cheese after their six hours in the open air, and called
again and again for ale, of which there was no stint, for this was
one of the few days of the year on which the customal specified
that they were to "drink at discretion".
After this meal there was a short welcome rest, and then they
went back to the field once more. Steadily the work went on, and
from time to time the now tiring mowers looked at the sky, and
watched the slow course of the sun over the big trees which
bordered the field. The girls and women busied themselves in
raking and turning the first cut hay, while the officials were
moving busily from place to place trying to keep the workers at
their tasks. At last the long-awaited sound of the hayward's horn
was heard, and in a few minutes the field was deserted, and old
and young were making their way and chattering together as they
went towards the manor house. The toil of the day was over, and
all that remained was the good evening meal that the Lord Prior
always gave them as a reward for their labours. As they reached
the manor house they saw that one of the large outhouses had
been made ready with trestle-tables down the centre and at the
sides of the building, and platters and mugs were soon laid out
ready for the repast. In the courtyard the great cauldrons were
steaming, and the hungry people were busy carving into hunks
the remainder of their midday loaves. Soon the manorial ser-
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